Sharks old boy Andries Strauss will become the fourth Cheetahs captain in as many matches as he leads the central team out against the Lions this weekend. Coach Naka Drotske has dropped flyhalf Naas Olivier after an unimpressive showing, both as playmaker and captain against the Stormers last week.

Strauss, who was a regular Vodacom Cup and sometimes Currie Cup captain during his time in Durban, is a hugely experienced player with strong communication skills and strong leadership capabilities and is sure to be the man to lead the Cheetahs to their opening win of the campaign. Whatever the case, at the end of the weekend there will (barring a draw) be only one South African team with no wins after four starts!

In other changes to the side, the big boot of Riaan Viljoen replaces the big boot of Hennie Daniller at fullback, while Sias Ebersohn takes over at number 10. Both flanks have also been changed, with Philip van der Walt and Frans Viljoen joining Ashley Johnson in a powerful loose trio.

Olivier will join Philip Burger on the bench, where along with Kabamba Floors and others, they’ll attempt to add some much-needed second half impetus.

The general Rugby opnion of Elton IMO has been incredibly unfair lately ..The kid will come good just wait and see.

Comment 10, posted at 09.03.11 10:21:44 by CoffeeshopBok;-)

@CoffeeshopBok;-) (Comment 10) : Yes, i think the critics have been a bit rough on the youngster. Besides why don’t the lions use another place-kicker and let the kid improve his all-round game. I think that’s the plan with Kockett anyway…

@Speed7 (Comment 14) : only problem, with kockett on the field the backline doesn’t get quality ball. if you watch the last few games as soon as rory takes the field, the backline stops being dangerous.

Comment 17, posted at 09.03.11 12:58:56 by try time

oh and well done andries, you deserve it. pity you have to try and right a sinking ship.

Comment 18, posted at 09.03.11 12:59:52 by try time

@try time (Comment 17) : Janno has been doing the 3 step lately as well.

Comment 19, posted at 09.03.11 13:07:45 by Pokkel

@Pokkel (Comment 19) : but the backline still gets decent ball and seem to be more dangerous. the backline is dead when rory comes on.

Comment 20, posted at 09.03.11 13:10:49 by try time

Brussouw is now starting. Cheetahs seem o be rushing him back again. He should come off the bench if anything.

Comment 21, posted at 09.03.11 16:15:36 by Speed7

@Speed7 (Comment 21) : did you read that only on Superrugby, or somewhere else as well?